LSI Image Awards

This is the image that I entered into the LSI Image Awards, I was very pleased that I was a category winner in the Science and Technology category. My illustration was inspired by the use of Virtual Reality in hospital patients. It can help to alleviate boredom in bed-bound patients, to distract form pain and to also treat a number of mental health patients, such as those with PTSD, by practising scenarios that they are fearful of in a safe environment.

John Cooper Clarke - Field Day

It is less then a week until Field Day, I'm super excited. In celebration I drew John Cooper Clarke who is playing - I couldn't decide which colour worked best.

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Portrait of Chris - Ink

Imaginary book covers - Stoner by John Williams

Margaret Cavendish / Barbican Sci-Fi competition

My entry into the recent Barbican sci-fi competition. I was inspired by Margaret Cavendish who wrote what could be seen as one of the earliest examples of science fiction writing - a short piece called 'The Blazing World' published in 1666. Sadly my illustration wasn't one of the five shortlisted, but I still had lots of fun doing this and enjoyed learning about such a maverick woman who was hundreds of years ahead of her time.

Web shop

I have finally got round to opening a web shop using Art Rookie. I will be selling a range of prints, homeware and textiles with my illustrations on them. The site is: www.artrookie.co.uk/Ella desouza

Self portrait with Nikko

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Moonlight

Finally got round to watching Moonlight - it was so thoughtful and refreshing. Here is an illustration inspired by the film.

Ruth May - Coloured version

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Drawing of Ruth May inspired by a photo in V #98

Sketchbook fashion illustrations inspired by Muji AW16 and johnUndercover SS17

Portrait of Kate and Rachel

An ink and watercolour illustration I did of the lovely Kate and her best friend that was commissioned as a gift for Rachel's birthday.

I want to draw you! (Call for submissions)

I am starting work on a new illustration project and I want to draw you!

The project is a celebration of the bonds between women; about platonic soulmates. I believe we have many spiritual sisters in the world; other females who we feel a special connection and twinship with.

If you would like to be involved in this project please email me a photograph of you with your female* soulmate (this could be a best friend, family member, mentor or even a pet). If you don’t have a photo of you both together you can send two separate images. If you want you can include a few words about how you met, how you support each other etc.

The drawings for this project will be compiled into a zine, posted online and will maybe be exhibited in London. I won’t post or share the photograph you email me - it will just be used as a reference.

If you would like to be drawn or want some more information please email your photo to elladesouza@outlook.com

Instagram: @elladesouza

www.elladesouza.co.uk

*any self-identifying female can take part

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Gurls Talk - Finding Self Worth

An illustration I did for Gurls Talk for an article about one girl's journey through eating disorders and addiction to starting to find her sense of worth.

You can read the article on the Gurls Talk website.

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